I begin the solo with an A minor pentatonic approach but then reference A Mixolydian with the inclusion of the notes B and D and F#. In bar 2, I imply, or describe, an A9 chord sound (A, C#, E, G ...

If you’re playing rock/blues solos, an approach like this may seem counterintuitive. But while you could spend this time on your technique, this activity also offers more interesting lines to play.

Bar 6 of Figure 1, broken down in Figure 5, is one that’s all over my Junktown album and is a mandolin-style lick that you’ll hear in the playing of Sam Bush and David Grisman. I begin with a ...